Jennifer Cabrera, project manager for California State Parks, told the Washington Unified School District board that the California Indian Heritage Center (CIHC) will sit on Marina Way and Lighthouse in West Sacramento and will be built in phases across dry and wet sides of the riverfront site. Cabrera said the design team envisions an initial Phase 1 opening in November 2026 on an 8‑acre "dry side" that will include a gathering area, shade ramada, parking and restrooms, and that the longer-term master plan will activate wet‑side riverfront areas with interpretive trails, native gardens and exhibit and education space.

June Flores, director of the district's equity/diversity/inclusion office, introduced Leslie McCovey and other Indian Education Parent Committee members who framed the project as a regional cultural and educational resource for Native communities and invited continued tribal guidance. Cabrera said the project team has conducted decades of outreach and that the state has committed $200,000,000 to build a "world‑class facility" that honors California Native American tribes; she emphasized that although the site sits on state park land, the center is a California Native initiative rather than a conventional parks project.

Cabrera outlined project milestones, said the Phase 1 area will support both Native gatherings and broader community use, and invited West Sacramento residents and school communities to participate in future outreach. She provided QR codes and materials for residents to learn more and to comment on aspects of the site master plan, which the team said will reflect community voices and tribal consultation. The presentation closed with a call for continued public input and follow‑up at district meetings.

The board did not take an immediate action on the CIHC presentation; staff said they will continue outreach and return with project updates and opportunities for local involvement.